Playing over .640 baseball means that things have gone very well for the Philadelphia Phillies so far this season. But nothing of importance has been secured yet.
Ryan Howard will need to carry more of his team's playoff weight this season.
Wikimedia Commons
While a playoff berth will only be avoided through total devastation, postseason progress is far from certain.
Let's look at what Charlie Manuel's squad is facing on the road ahead:
J-Roll
Playing in what could be the final season of his Phillies career, Jimmy Rollins(notes) has found himself on the sidelines once again. This latest absence highlights the dilemma faced in deciding to retain him or move on in the offseason.
It would be hard to imagine the Phillies winning many playoff rounds without Rollins wearing his glove at shortstop or holding his bat at the plate. He needs to return a few weeks before the playoffs begin, play well and remain healthy all the way through October.
Polanco
Another key health concern involves third baseman Placido Polanco(notes).
While the various rejuvenation methods "Polly" has used seem to have temporarily solved his problems, it's uncertain as to how long this latest Band-Aid will hold. Like Rollins, he plays a critical role in the field and in the lineup.
Polanco's consistency can help to win a World Series. If he is unable to perform, his team's championship chances are reduced significantly.
Starting Staff
General manager Ruben Amaro, Jr., went all-in during the past few seasons, gambling that a superb pitching staff offers his club the best chance at victory.
Roy Halladay(notes), Cliff Lee(notes) and Cole Hamels(notes) have basically won the hands that have been dealt to them. While Roy Oswalt(notes) hasn't drawn an ace, he has enough time left to join the winner's circle.
If all four men have their poker faces on come October, they will find no comparable foursome in the majors. That should translate into playoff series victories, even if the rest of their teammates aren't cranking on all cylinders.
Bullpen
Ryan Madson(notes) has proved himself during many past October occasions. Beyond him, there are question marks in this bullpen.
Antonio Bastardo(notes) and Michael Stutes(notes) have performed well this year, but they are experiencing greater workloads than at any previous time in their careers. It is unknown how the stretch run and playoff pressures will affect them.
Brad Lidge(notes) might be useful in some type of support role, if he can maintain his control. While he is well past his 2008 level, it's still possible that Manuel can put him in the right spot to succeed.
The wild card in the bullpen, just like in the regular season rotation, could be Vance Worley(notes). Unless one of the top four starters is hurt, he will pitch in playoff relief.
This young man has guts and talent. It would be a good bet to assume that both will remain on display in October.
Other factors
The Phillies would be very difficult to stop if they can get on an offensive roll heading into October.
Obviously, playoff matchups against the Milwaukee Brewers, Atlanta Braves, Arizona Diamondbacks, San Francisco Giants or St. Louis Cardinals will determine how far down the road this preseason favorite can travel.
No comments:
Post a Comment